College Prep Biology
Study Guide for Finals, Semester 1
Chapter 1: The Chemistry of Life
1. Atoms, Elements, Compounds, Molecules
* Definitions
* Level of Complexity
2. Structure of an Atom
* Location/Charge of the three subatomic particles
3. Chemical Formulas
* Subscripts, Coefficients, Reactants, Products
4. Chemical Bonds
* Ionic Bonds: How do they form?
* Covalent Bonds: How do they form?
5. pH Scale
*Acids (pH Range, concentration of ions)
* Bases (pH Range, concentration of ions)
6. Organic Compounds
* 4 organic compounds
* Know the structure of each and types of bonds holding them together
* What determines the 3 dimensional shape of a protein
7. Genetic Code
* Know the people who contributed to the development of the DNA model
* How do DNA strands pair?
* Where is DNA and RNA found in the cell?
Chapter 2: Energy, Life and the Biosphere
1. Characteristics of Living Things
2. Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs
3. Food Webs
* Levels
* Energy Transferred
* Role of decomposers
4. Laws of Thermodynamics: Role of energy in maintaining organization of a
system.
5. Role of Enzymes in a chemical reaction.
6. Oxidation vs. Reduction reactions
7. Digestion
* Role of Surface Area
* Role of individual organs, enzymes in the digestive system.
* Where are Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids digested in the system?
Chapter 3: Exchanging Materials with the Environment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Structure of the Cell Membrane
Movement of molecules across the cell membrane
Concentration Gradients
Passive Diffusion (Diffusion, Osmosis, Facilitated Diffusion) vs. Active Transport
How is active transport involved in a nerve impulse.
Gas Exchange
* Compare respiratory system of Fish, Birds, and Humans
* Role of Surface Area
7. Waste Removal
* Osmosis
* Ammonia, Urea, Uric Acid. What types of organisms use each, why?
Human Kidney
 Structure and Function
 Nephron: Structure and Function
 Filtration, Secretion, Reabsorption. Where does each happen in
the nephron. What substances are filtered, secreted and
reabsorbed?
Chapter 4: Photosynthesis
1. Equation and purpose
2. Three stages of photosynthesis
3. Materials Used/Products made for Light reactions and Calvin Cycle
4. Colors of light absorbed by plant pigments
5. Photorespiration: Why does it happen? How does a plant prevent it?
Chapter 5: Cellular Respiration
1. Equation and purpose
2. Three stages of cellular respiration (Know cycle, where they happen, and
products)
3. Know which reactions are synthesis or decomposition reactions
4. Mitochondria: Structure and purpose. Which stages of cellular respiration
happen where?
5. Role of NAD and FAD in cellular respiration
6. Total amount of ATP produced in each stage